Beverage can ends having a gas charging port

ABSTRACT

A beverage can end includes a filling port in the end itself. An activating gas that interacts with the beverage may be charged through the filling port. If the end has a vent opening, such as sometimes used in a recloseable end, the vent opening may be used for charging the activating gas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/596,137 filed Dec. 8, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth in its entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to packaging beverages, and more particularly to metal beverage cans capable of being charged with an activating gas.

Metal cans for packaging beverages are usually a two-piece containers formed of a can body, which is drawn and wall ironed from a 3000 series aluminum alloy, and an end, which is formed from a 5000 series alloy and seamed onto the beverage can body. A conventional end is shown in FIG. 5 (Prior Art). As well over 200 billion aluminum beverage can ends are produced worldwide each year, end technology has developed such that modern ends are lightweight and made from the thinnest gauge feasible.

The vast majority of beverage can ends are “easy-open” ends that have a tab riveted to a center panel of the end and a score that ruptures in response to actuation of the tab. Actuating the tab irreversibly forms a pour opening in the end.

Alternatively, some ends include a closure that seals a pour opening to form a recloseable end. For example, Xolutions markets a resealable beverage can end that is conceptually disclosed in United States Patent Publication Number 2014/0332548. As illustrated in FIG. 2 of the 548 patent application, which is reproduced as FIG. 1 in this specification, a panel 101 includes a pour opening 103. A closure element 120 is on the underside of panel 101 and includes sealing means 121 that seals the underside of the panel to prevent leakage of the liquid through opening 103. The closure element 120 includes a pressure equalization opening or vent 122 that is a through-hole through the closure element 120. An actuation element 110 on the upper side of panel 101 includes a fixation element 110 a that is connected to a sliding element 110 b by a hinge 111. In its rest position, a pin 112 of the fixation element 110 a is located in vent 122.

To actuate the closure for the first time, a user lifts the heel of fixation element 110 a about a hinge between elements 110 a and 110 b to open vent 122 by removing pin 112 from opening 122. A user then pulls element 110 a rearward to move sliding element 110 b from pour opening 103 and to push closure element 120 away from pour opening 103. To reclose the closure, the user reverses the direction of sliding to return element 120 to its position under pour opening 103, typically by grasping the free end of fixation element 110 a. The user then pushes down on the free end of element 110 a to pivot it about its hinge until pin 112 is inserted into opening 122, thereby resealing the container by plugging vent 122.

Another example of a recloseable end is disclosed in United States Patent Publication Number US2008/0053997, which lists its assignee as Bound2B. FIG. 1a of the 997 Publication, which is reproduced in this specification as FIG. 11 (Prior Art), illustrates a device 1 includes a sealing element 2 and that rotates relative to an operating element 3. Sealing element 2 is on the inboard side of the end (not shown in FIG. 5). A screw thread connection (not shown in the figures) enables sealing element 2 to move down relative to operating element 3 in response to a user rotating projection or tab 8. The rotation of sealing element 2 moves sealing projection 7 out of engagement with pour opening 6 to enable liquid flow from the can during pouring. Reversing the rotation of tab 8 retracts sealing element 2, which re-engages sealing projection 7 with opening 6 to reclose the closure device 1.

Operating element 3 includes a vent 11, which is a through-hole from the top surface of element 3 to enable communication with the headspace of the container. A rod 12 extends from underneath operating element 3 functionally from sealing element 2 and into and through vent 11. Rod 11 is both a stopper or plug of vent 11 and an indicator of whether the device is sealed.

Some prior art beverage cans include a charging port in the base. For example, a coffee and cream beverage, marketed by La Colombe Coffee, includes a grommet in its base to receive a charge of gas. Aerosol cans are typically charged through a grommet in the bottom, which typically is a thick-walled end that is seamed onto a cylindrical can body wall. Conventional grommets, such as a Universal Grommet as supplied by Ultramotive, are flexible, elastomeric structures that use conventional gas or liquid injection equipment, as understood by persons familiar with conventional charging technology.

SUMMARY

A recloseable beverage can end that promotes charging of an activating gas into a beverage can includes a metal beverage can end shell and a recloseable seal. The end shell has a peripheral curl and a center panel that has a pour opening therein. The recloseable closure has (i) a contact surface adapted for engagement and actuation by a user's finger and (ii) a seal. A filling port of the closure can receive the activing gas to charge the can end. Actuation of the closure via the contact surface by a user breaks the seal to create a closure open-position during which beverage is capable of flowing through the pour opening.

Preferably, the seal includes an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface. The upper sealing surface is opposite the lower sealing surface and forms a seal about the pour opening in the closed position. The filling port may be a through hole in the closure and the closure may include a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed-position.

In some embodiments, the pin is spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position. And/or the filling port is a through hole in the center panel, and the filling port is covered by the closure, which in comes cases can provide tamper evidence. In any case, a fitting may be located in the filling port. Preferably, the activating gas is nitrous oxide.

According to another aspect, a beverage can end includes a beverage can shell, a pour opening and actuations means, a filling port, and a gas charging fitting. The beverage can end shell includes a peripheral curl and a center panel, and the center panel includes an aperture in the center panel. The can end shell is formed of a 5000 series aluminum alloy having a thickness of between 0.007 inches and 0.011 inches, or between 0.007 inches and 0.009 inches.

The actuation means for opening the pour opening preferable is either a conventional easy open end (of the kind that has a score and tab) or recloseable mechanism. The as charging fitting is located in the filling port and is adapted for receiving a gas charging apparatus to inject gas therethrough and then form a seal. Preferably, the pour activation means includes a score in the center panel and a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet, and the filling port is an aperture through the rivet. Alternatively, the filling port can be an aperture in the center panel at a position that is spaced apart from the rivet. The filling port can be a through hole in the closure and wherein the closure includes a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed position. The pin may be spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position. The pin and/or through hole after initial opening can be configured to indicate tamper evidence.

A method for charging a beverage can with an activating gas begins with a metal beverage container package that includes a can body, a can end seamed on to the can body, and a recloseable closure engaged with the can end. The method includes charging an activating gas into an interior of the beverage can through a filling port formed in the can end. Preferably, the can end includes a recloseable closure and the filling port is in the recloseable closure, and the charging step includes inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port, removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step, and sealing the filling port after the removing step.

The filling port may be in can end center panel, and the charging step may include inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port and removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step, and then sealing the filling port after the removing step.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 (Prior Art) is schematic cross sectional view of a prior art recloseable beverage can end;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective image of a recloseable beverage can end in its vented configuration, illustrating an aspect of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is another top perspective image of the recloseable beverage can end of FIG. 2, showing the closure in a re-closed position;

FIG. 4 is schematic cross sectional view of the recloseable beverage can end of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 (Prior Art) is a top view of a conventional end, illustrating a conventional tab and rivet;

FIG. 6 is a top view of an end having a charging fitting located at the rivet, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the end of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 8 is a top view of an end of FIG. 5 before insertion of the charging fitting into the aperture at the rivet;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a cross section of the rivet portion of the end of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a cross section of a second embodiment of the rivet portion of the end of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 (Prior Art) is a perspective view of a conventional closure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a recloseable beverage closure, illustrating an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 13 is an enlarged, cross sectional, schematic view of a portion of the closure of FIG. 12.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A first embodiment is directed to a recloseable beverage can end having a gas filling feature and capabilities. Referring to FIGS. 2 through 4 to illustrate an embodiment of the present invention, a can end 10 a having features according to the present invention includes a panel 11 a, which has a pour opening 13 a, and a closure 12 a. A closure element 20 a of closure 12 a is on the underside of panel 11 a and includes sealing means 21 a that seals the underside of the panel to prevent leakage of the liquid through opening 13 a. The closure element 20 a includes a combination vent and charging port 22 a (also referred to as an aperture) that is a through-hole through the closure element 20 a. A gas charging fitting 50 a is housed within port 22 a. An actuation element 28 a on the upper side of panel 11 a includes a fixation element 30 a and a sliding element 32 a, which is connected to a fixation element 30 a by a hinge 34 a. In its rest position, a pin 38 a that protrudes from an underside of fixation element 30 a is located in port 22 a. FIGS. 2 and 3 also show taper-evidence devices in their torn positions.

Gas charging fitting 50 a is shown in the figures as a grommet having a sleeve and upper and lower flanges. The gas charging fitting may also be an o-ring or like structure, and may be resilient such that it is forms a seal around pin 38 a when pin 38 a is inserted into port 22 a. Fitting 50 a is sized to receive a charging apparatus such that an activating gas, such as nitrous oxide for charging into beverage containing milk or cream, can be charged through the closure and into the can before sealing the can. The term “activating gas” is used to refer to a gas that interacts with the liquid beverage product for improving its taste, texture, or like property. In the preferred embodiment, the activating gas is a nitrous oxide used as an agent for interacting with the cream or milk (or like fatty constituent) of a coffee beverage. The present invention is not limited, of course, to nitrous oxide as the activating gas, but encompasses other gases, including gases later developed, for improving the product.

In operation, a charge of gas can be inserted through aperture 22 a by inserting a charging apparatus (preferably conventional, not shown in the figures) into fitting 50 a of aperture 22 a while pin 38 a is spaced apart from aperture 22 a. After charging and removal of the charging apparatus, the panel 11 a may be actuated in the conventional way to close the pour opening and insert pin 38 a into port 22 a.

Port 22 a preferably is sealed by pin 38 a by insertion of pin 38 a into fitting 50 a (as shown in FIG. 4). Port 22 a preferably is also sealed by an external surface of the changing apparatus, again by insertion into fitting 50 a, and in this way port 22 a can be a combined charging port and vent. Thus, it is not necessary for fitting 50 a to be self-sealing, as will be understood by persons familiar with grommet technology for charging aerosol cans. The present invention is not limited to fittings that do not seal (that is, do not automatically form a seal upon removal of a charging apparatus), but rather the present invention encompasses self-sealing and non-self-sealing fittings unless expressly stated otherwise in the claims.

A user actuates the closure 12 a for the first time after the can has already been filled with a beverage. A user lifts the heel of fixation element 32 a about hinge 36 a to vent the can by removing pin 38 a from port 22 a, and thereby enabling gas to escape from the pressurized interior of the can to the ambient atmosphere. A user then pulls element 32 a rearward to move sliding element 34 a from pour opening 13 a and to move closure element 20 a away from pour opening 13 a. To reclose the closure 12 a, the user reverses the direction of sliding to return element 20 a to its position under pour opening 13 a, typically by graphing the free end of fixation element 32 a. The user then pushes down on the free end of element 32 a to pivot it about its hinge until pin 38 a is inserted into opening port 22 a, thereby resealing the container by plugging the vent.

FIG. 5 illustrates a conventional, easy-open (non-resealable) beverage can end that includes a sidewall and curl, a center panel, a tab that is attached to the center panel by a rivet, and a score for a pour opening upon actuation of the tab. Each of the components of the conventional beverage can end of FIG. 5 is well known in the art.

FIG. 6 illustrates an improved easy-open beverage can end 210, illustrating aspects of the invention, including a sidewall 212, an annular structure 214, a center panel 216, a tab 218, a score 220, a rivet system 230, and a grommet 260. Tab 218 includes a body 222 and a rivet island 224. Sidewall 212, the annular structure 214, and tab body 222 preferably are conventional.

Rivet system 230 includes an aperture 232 and a rivet 240. As shown in schematically in FIG. 9, rivet 240 includes a rivet wall 242 that extends upwardly from center panel 216 and a rivet flange 244 at or near its uppermost extent. Rivet wall 242 extends through a hole in tab rivet island 224 to affix the tab 218 to the can end shell center panel 216. The process of forming rivet 240 can be consistent with conventional rivet processes for aluminum beverage cans, and after formation of a conventional rivet, aperture 232 preferably is formed through the body of the rivet by a piercing operation from the underside (that is, the side of end that is internal to the can when after the can body is joined to the can end) center of the rivet. Accordingly, a portion of metal cut edge formed from the piercing operation is directed upwardly and outwardly (as the end is oriented during use and as shown in FIG. 9.)

Grommet 260 as shown in the figures has a flange 262, a neck 264, and a crown 266 such that grommet 260 extends through aperture 232. In this regard, flange 262 is on the underside of the end 210 and crown 266 is on the exterior side of end 210. Grommet 260 may be employed for inserting a gas or a liquid through a filling aperture in the grommet 260, which filling aperture (not shown in the figures) may be sealed after inserting the gas or liquid the aperture. Alternatively, a grommet as described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,362, entitled “Sealing Grommet” (and generally known in the industry as a Scheindel Universal Grommet) or the valve disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,658,979, entitled “Propellant Filling and Sealing Valve,” assigned to American Can Company (the “979 Patent” may be employed. If a Universal Grommet is employed, the flange preferably is oriented on the exterior of the can end and the crown is located on the internal side of the can end. If a valve like that of the 979 Patent is employed, the flange (that is, the “sealing portion” identified in the 979 Patent by reference numeral 18) is inside the can end and the crown (that is, the collar identified in the 979 Patent by reference numeral 24) is on the exterior of the can end. Thus, at least in the case in which conventional grommets or valves are employed, the can may be charged with gas or liquid by using conventional gassing methods and equipment.

Alternatively, a gas charging fitting 250 may be employed, as illustrated schematically in FIG. 10. The fitting may be an o-ring, tubular sleeve, solid plug (configured for piercing by an injection apparatus or probe), or like structure that is capable of receiving a gas or liquid injection apparatus or nozzle, such as a charging apparatus such that a gas, such as nitrous oxide for charging into beverage containing milk or cream, can be charged through the closure and into the can before sealing the can. After filling and removal of the gas charging apparatus from fitting 250, fitting 250 can be closed by thermally deforming it by applying heat, can be closed by filling with a filler or plug.

Fitting 250 as illustrated in the figures is located within the vertical sidewall 242 of the rivet. A fitting, such as indicated by reference numeral 250′ in dashed lines in FIG. 6, in any of its embodiments may alternatively be located through a portion of the panel 216.

Referring to FIG. 12 to illustrate another embodiment that illustrates aspects of the present invention, an end includes a resealable closure 310, which includes a sealing element 302 that rotates relative to an operating element 303. Sealing element 302 is on the inboard side of the end (not shown in FIG. 6). A screw thread connection (conventional, not shown in the figures) enables sealing element 302 to move down relative to operating element 303 in response to a user rotating projection or a tab 308. The rotation of sealing element 302 moves a sealing projection 307 out of engagement with a pour opening 306 to enable liquid flow from the can during pouring. Reversing the rotation of tab 308 retracts sealing element 302, which re-engages sealing projection 307 with opening 306 to re-close the closure device 310.

Operating element 303 includes a vent system 51, which includes an aperture or through-hole 311 and a gas charging fitting 50 a. Aperture 311 extends through the top surface of element 303 to enable gas communication between the headspace of the container and the ambient atmosphere. In the closed position, a rod 312 extends from underneath operating element 303 from sealing element 302 and into and through aperture 311. Rod 312 is both a stopper or plug of the vent aperture 311 and an indicator of whether the device is sealed.

Gas charging fitting 50 b may have the structure as described above with respect to fitting 50 a and/or fitting 250. In general, fittings 50 a, 50 b, and/or 250 may without limitation be an o-ring, tubular sleeve, solid plug (configured for piercing by an injection apparatus or probe), or like structure that is capable of receiving a gas or liquid injection apparatus or nozzle, such as a charging apparatus, such that a gas, such as nitrous oxide for charging into beverage containing milk or cream, can be charged through the closure and into the can before sealing the can. The particular dimensions and configuration of the fitting may be chosen according to the particular parameters of the application, such as the material chosen, aperture diameter, metal or plastic thickness, internal can pressure, and the like. After filling and removal of the gas charging apparatus from the fitting 50 a, 50 b, and or 250, the fitting can be closed by thermally deforming it by applying heat, can be closed by filling with a filler or plug and/or by applying an adhesive.

The present invention has been described employing embodiments of ends, closures, and fittings in specific configurations. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments described herein, but that it is intended that present invention be given its fully scope as set out in the claims. 

1. A beverage can end suitable for enabling gas charging therethrough, the end comprising: a metal beverage can end shell including a peripheral curl and a center panel, the center panel including a pour opening therein; and a filling port adapted for receiving a gas charge through the can end; wherein the beverage can end is adapted for receiving an activating gas charge through the filling port to augment the beverage.
 2. The beverage can end of claim 1 wherein the beverage can end is recloseable, the end further comprising: a recloseable closure including (i) a contact surface adapted for engagement by a user's finger and (ii) a seal; wherein actuation of the contact surface of the closure by a user breaks the seal to create a closure open-position during which beverage is capable of flowing through the pour opening.
 3. The beverage can end of claim 2 wherein the seal includes an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface, the upper sealing surface is opposite the lower sealing surface and forms a seal about the pour opening in the closed position.
 4. The beverage can end of claim 2 wherein the filling port is a through hole in the closure and wherein the closure includes a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed position.
 5. The beverage can end of claim 4 wherein the pin is spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position.
 6. The beverage can of claim 5 wherein the pin and/or through hole after initial opening indicates tamper evidence.
 7. The beverage can end of claim 2 wherein the filling port is a through hole in the center panel, and the filling port is covered by the closure.
 8. The beverage can of claim 1 wherein the filling port is a rivet formed in the center panel, the rivet affixing a tab to the center panel and the filling port includes a fitting.
 9. The recloseable beverage can end of any of the preceding claims wherein the activating gas a nitrous oxide.
 10. A method for charging a beverage can with a gas comprising the steps of: in a beverage container package that includes a metal can body and a metal beverage can end including a peripheral curl and a center panel, the center panel including a pour opening therein; charging the container package with an activating gas through a filling port in the can end.
 11. The method for charging a beverage can of claim 10 wherein the can end includes a recloseable closure and the filling port is in the recloseable closure, and wherein the charging step includes inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port, removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step, and sealing the filling port after the removing step.
 12. The method for charging a beverage can of a claim 10 wherein the filling port is in can end center panel, and wherein the charging step includes inserting a charging apparatus in the filling port and removing the charging apparatus from the filling port after the inserting step.
 13. A method for charging a beverage can of a claim 12 wherein the charging step includes sealing the filling port after the removing step.
 14. A beverage can end comprising: a beverage can end shell including a peripheral curl and a center panel, the center panel including an aperture therein, the can end shell formed of a 5000 series aluminum alloy having a thickness of between 0.007 inches and 0.011 inches; a pour opening and actuation means for opening the pour opening; a filling port; a gas charging fitting located in the filling port and adapted for receiving a gas charging apparatus to inject gas therethrough and then form a seal.
 15. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the pour activation means includes a score in the center panel and a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet, and wherein the filling port is an aperture through the rivet.
 16. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the pour activation means includes a score in the center panel and a tab attached to the center panel by a rivet, and wherein the filling port is an aperture in the center panel at a position that is spaced apart from the rivet.
 17. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the pour activation means includes a resealable closure.
 18. The beverage can end of 17 wherein the filling port is a through hole in the closure and wherein the closure includes a pin that seals the through hole while the closure is in a closed position.
 19. The beverage can end of claim 4 wherein the pin is spaced apart from the through hole when the closure is in the open position such that the filling port is a vent aperture that vents internal pressure upon actuation of the closure from a fully closed position.
 20. The beverage can of claim 5 wherein the pin and/or through hole after initial opening indicates tamper evidence.
 21. The beverage can end of claim 14 wherein the shell thickness is between 0.007 inches and 0.009 inches. 